Antonio Conte explicates Olivier Giroud’s importance to Chelsea

According to Antonio Conte, Olivier Giroud could become an important player for Chelsea – both on the pitch and for strike rival Alvaro Morata.

Conte said: “To have two strikers in contention for us is very important. Giroud could become an important player and at the same time I had a good answer from Alvaro and we must be happy. We forced Giroud to play because we had Morata injured, and it was important to have a point of reference like him on the pitch.”

The Italian brushed off speculation over his future in the build-up to the game, and said the Blues would have to get used to batting off that kind of talk.

He said: “We have to try to fight against the speculation. The only way is to try to win, play good football and I think until the end we will continue to live with it. It’s not important for me. We are getting used to this kind of speculation and rumours. My players know very well what we have to do, now and in the future.”